Now, here, some of you--bite." But they did not, and Nic sat upon a great stone, feeling rather ill-used.

He was glad the convict had gone, and at the same time sorry.
"I suppose I answered him very gruffly, and that sent him off," thought Nic.
"Now, sir.

I've caught a few of these." Nic jumped again, for once more the man had approached in silence.
"Eh! what have you got ?" "Locusts, or grasshoppers, sir.

Have you a nice-sized new hook ?" "Oh yes, plenty," cried Nic eagerly, opening a flat box from which the man took one he thought suitable.
The next minute the hook bearing the great worm had been removed and one good-sized shot only left on the line.
"Now,--sir," said Leather, "these grasshoppers are tender, so drop the bait gently on the surface, right over yonder where the stream comes round that end of the tree root .-- Well done.

Couldn't be better.